When the temperature rises, the great outdoors calls. All of a sudden — after months of cold dry air, wind and snow — your hair is exposed to a new range of harsh elements including the sun, salt and chlorine. Keeping your hair healthy and well moisturized is key to preventing summer hair damage.
These hair treatments can protect your hair from damage and keep your locks looking beautiful all summer long:
- Use a Leave-In Conditioner
- Pre-protect Your Hair Before Swimming
- Remove Salt and Chlorine After Swimming
- Protect from UV Damage
- Must-Have Products for Swimmers
Treat Your Hair to a Moisture Surge
Shield your hair from sun damage by using a shampoo and conditioner with UV protection. Use a leave-in conditioner weekly to give your hair an extra moisture surge and throw your hair in a braid after applying the leave-in product for deeper penetration.
Protect Your Hair from Chlorine Damage
Before exposing your hair to harsh chemicals like chlorine or salt saturate your hair with tap water and comb through a conditioner. This will provide your hair with a protective barrier, and make it easier to rinse out chemicals.
Wash Out Chlorine and Salt Immediately After Swimming
Clean and condition your hair after swimming. As soon as you can get to a shower rinse out those damaging chemicals. Chlorine and salt tend to cling to your hair, and are difficult to shampoo out. When you hit the showers use a hot oil treatment for one minute before you shampoo, this will effectively clean most of the chlorine out of your hair.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun’s UV Rays
Fend off UV with styling products. You’ve made it a habit to use sun block on your skin, make sure to treat your locks to the same protection. During the summer include UV hair-care products in your regular regime.
Must-Have Products for Swimmers
Philip Kingsley Swimcap
Beach babes and pool swimmers should check out the brand new product developed by Philip Kingsley at the request of the US Olympic Synchronized Swim Team called Philip Kingsley Swimcap ($18); this deep conditioning pre- and post-swim cream guards against discoloration and damage caused by weathering from sun, chlorine, salt water and wind. Get the same protection as wearing a swimcap, but look so much cooler.
Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Treatment
Another tool to add to your summer hair saving toolkit is Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works($6) no extra heating required! This great little pick-me-up for hair comes with a UV shield designed to protect colored hair, but it will also work to protect your hair’s natural color and shine. Using it once a week will help to maintain healthy hair all summer long.
Find a Fabulous Hat
Cover up with style, poolside, by wearing a flouncy hat or scarf to protect your hair from the elements while looking fabulous!
